As reported by NASS on May 4, 2015
DRIER CONDITIONS ALLOW FARMERS BACK INTO FIELDS
A mostly rain-free week allowed fields to dry out to the point that field work could resume all across the state. Corn farmers made great strides in planting and some early crop soybeans were also planted. Hay producers began the first cutting of hay. Continue reading at Crop Progress 5 4 15.
As reported by NASS on April 27, 2015
CORN PLANTING FINALLY RESTARTS, SOME SOYBEANS AND COTTON PLANTED
At last, weather conditions improved slightly and allowed some fields to dry out enough that corn planting could start again. There were some fields that were still too muddy to plant but producers made as much progress as possible. Some soybeans and cotton were planted, in line with normal averages. There were 2.8 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture was 56 percent adequate and 44 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 4 26 15.
As reported by NASS on April 20, 2015
CORN PLANTING PRACTICALLY AT A STANDSTILL
Corn producers suffered another week of wet weather that prevented them from planting corn. The crop is only 6 percent planted compared to a five-year average of 43 percent. Strawberry season is running behind normal because of the cold winter followed by persistent rains. Strawberries, normally available at the end of April, are about 2 weeks behind. There were only 1.1 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was 42 percent adequate and 58 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were 59 percent adequate, and 41 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 4 19 15.
As reported by NASS on April 6, 2015
WHEAT IN GOOD CONDITION; PRODUCERS ANXIOUS TO PLANT CORN
Wet weather has benefitted wheat, which is developing well ahead of last year’s crop. Fifty-eight percent of the winter wheat crop showed no freeze damage and 33 had light damage. A limited number of corn acres have been planted because of wet fields. Continue reading at Crop Progress 4 5 15.
In my mind, the past winter was similar to last, with some colder than average conditions. Below is a repeat of an article last year discussing how winter weather affects insect populations. I added some comments, scoring my predictions. Continue reading
The 2015 version of PB1768, Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops, is now available online at UTcrops.com. Hard copies will soon be available and distributed at UT county and crop production workshops.
Through rains and light snow during the week, some producers were able to finish harvesting their crops, while others may not finish until after Thanksgiving. Cooler temperatures have led to feeding cattle more hay. Some pastures are holding water or experiencing hard freezes, negatively affecting condition. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 23 14 .
As reported by NASS on November 17, 2014
CORN HARVEST WINDS DOWN
Despite showers midweek in advance of a cold front, farmers managed to make good progress harvesting corn, cotton and soybeans. Drastically cooler temperatures affected the emergence of newly planted wheat and caused some livestock producers to start feeding hay. There were 4.9 days suitable for field work. Continue reading at Crop Progress 11 16 14 .